The College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad deliberated on the doctoral dissertation titled “The Dimensions of the Minor Occultation in Twelver Islamic Political Thought” by the student “Suha Hassan Sharhan.”
The dissertation addressed a crucial subject, as the issue of occultation has been a topic of extensive debate, particularly concerning the Minor Occultation, being the central basis for proving the birth of the Imam (Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi) (peace be upon him). He managed his loyal followers clandestinely through special representation, making the study of the Minor Occultation crucial in understanding its political, economic, social, and intellectual dimensions. It also investigated its role in refuting materialistic and communist ideas, as well as its role in negating the new Abrahamic religious project.
Thus, the dissertation required delving into the essence of politics and a just state based on a fair thesis, revealing the determinants of establishing a just state. Does it solely revolve around the presence of a divine leader, or does it demand other determinants focused on the process of social change? This correlates to the Quranic verse: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” [Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11], indicating a connection between internal and external change. Therefore, the study attempted to demonstrate the role of the Imams (peace be upon them) in apparent administration, their interaction with their communities, and how administration shifted clandestinely to achieve integration, aiming to elevate human thought. It also analyzed their path towards integration during the absence of the divine leader. The study proposed the continued pursuit of the path towards elevation, highlighting the bifurcation in integration: one branch ascending and the other descending until loyal foundations are established based on awareness, sacrifice, and sincerity, prioritizing public interests over personal ones to reach the desired goal of integration.
At the end of the discussion, the researcher was awarded a doctoral degree with a grade of “very good – high,” wishing success and prosperity in both academic and practical life to all our esteemed students.
